Deskstudier

Deskstudier, or desk studies, are research activities that rely primarily on existing information rather than new data collected in the field. They compile, evaluate and synthesize knowledge from secondary sources such as scientific articles, government reports, technical standards, maps and archival records. Desk studies are commonly conducted in the early stages of a project to establish what is already known, identify data gaps, and inform further investigation.

The typical process includes defining the objectives and scope, developing a search strategy, locating and screening sources, extracting relevant data, and assessing the quality and relevance of information. Researchers may perform a narrative or systematic literature review, compile databases, or use tools such as GIS and remote sensing to map available data. The output is a concise synthesis of findings, with limitations and uncertainties clearly stated.

Desk studies are widely used across fields such as environmental impact assessment, urban planning, archaeology and heritage management, geotechnical investigations, risk analysis, and market research. They help set study boundaries, prioritize questions, and guide decision-making or the design of subsequent fieldwork. They may also produce deliverables such as screening reports, data inventories, and knowledge gaps analyses.

Limitations include reliance on existing data of variable quality, potential biases, and data that may be outdated. They cannot substitute for new data collection or field verification of current conditions. Transparency about search methods, inclusion criteria, and sources is essential to ensure reproducibility and credibility.